To thinking waking up gasping for air is not normal?

[Lis1992]

To just put this down to a normal part of post-Covid recovery? Had covid a week and a half ago. Very bad ongoing cough since. Noticed a wheeze in my breathing last night before sleep. Long story short- woke up coughing and unable to breath after. Finally had a huge loud gasp of air when it broke. Happened twice on that occasion but not again. I’m thinking it’s just inflammation after covid. Did try to get Gp apt but impossible to get. So AIBU to think it’s just after effects or would you think it was serious? Side note- anyone had similar/what was it?

during a coughing fit, no its not serious

Just a normal part of the illness in my experience. I’d get this with any bad cold or virus. It’s normal to have a bad cough for a few weeks after. I think the NHS says call your GP if you’ve been coughing for more than 3 weeks

@Lis1992 (Very much pre covid times) yes I’ve had this happen and it’s scary asf .

For me it was the sign I have asthma. If I’m stressed or lax with meds/get a chest infection it returns. Sleeping more upright and with a fan blowing seems to help until meds get things sorted.
Personally I would see if you can get a dr/nurse appointment. it might be something, it might be nothing, but being able to breathe is conducive to life.

@Alphabet1spaghetti2 Asthma is definitely on my mind! I had it as a baby. Isn’t it terrifying? Those saying they get it with a cold and it’s fine- aren’t experiencing this. I think you get what I mean- total loss of ability to breathe!

@PonkyPonky You mean waking up with a completely inability to breathe, happens you with most viruses?!

Yes. Many times.

@widowtwankywashroom Waking with a complete inability to breathe, is not considered serious in your book? Many a severe cough I’ve had, never this!

@PonkyPonky would you get checked for sleep apnea maybe as that doesn’t sound normal.

How long did it last for, did you panic and hyperventilate? Has it happened during the day?
If you were snoring due to a cold you probably occluded your airway for a few seconds and woke up panicking as you couldn't breathe, why not sleep sat well propped up and see if it happens again

I don’t have sleep apnea, I sleep perfectly fine when not fighting a respiratory virus. But if I am then waking coughing so much you can’t breathe is part of the process. You asked if it was normal but you don’t seem to want anyone to say that. The official NHS advice is to see a doctor if you’ve been coughing more than 3 weeks unless you get chest pain or you cannot stop coughing. That’s the medical advice you are looking for. Available from the NHS website

You could have Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Look it up.

It could be Post Nasal Drip .. which is related to the virus. I get this, I wake up choking it’s a horrible feeling

I have that and it's nasty. I haven't found anything to cure it, apparently "it's just the way I am" according to the medical experts.

Try sleeping a bit more propped up with another pillow.

I had this when I had whooping cough.

Hope you're feeling better soon OP

I get this on and off. Always reckoned it was due to reflux. I get gastritis quite frequently.

I had covid a few weeks ago and am still having breathing problems, coughing, getting out of breath etc.. but my chest is clear. I was similar last time I had covid and ended up with an inhaler from the gp, apparently it’s pretty common after covid.